Apparatus for producing animated shadows



Oct. 5, 1937. J. J. l EVlN 2,

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ANIMATED SHADOWS Filed Oct; 5, 1954 2 Sheets-Shem 1 JA cK J. LEVIN.

0a. 5, 1937. J. J. LEVIN 2,094,659-

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ANIMATED SHADOWS Filed Oct. 5, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 fig/.4-

awe/whom JACK J. LEVIN Skim/mm;

Patented Oct. 5, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ANIMATED SHADOWS 20 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for producing animated shadows.

The effect produced by moving a light in rear of a translucent screen with an opaque object interposed in the path of the light directed upon the screen so as to vary the position of the shadows cast upon the translucent screen by the interposed object has been well known. Attempts have been made to appropriate this idea upon screens by personal hand movement of the light to produce the varying shadow effects and the results were largely dependent upon the ability of the operator to move the light through the same path in successive operations. The results obtained by such methods were unsatisfactory both from the standpoint of difliculty of manipulation and reproduction of the effects and of the limitations in the kinds of efiects produced.

Among the objects of this invention is the provision of means whereby a wide variety of novel shadow effects may be produced automatically and in steady and constant sequence for all of the cycles of movements.

A further object of this invention is the provision of means whereby a light is constrained to moverepeatingly in a definite path for each cycle of effects.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of means whereby shadow effects may be produced repeatingly on a translucent screen in a given definite sequence of cyclic changes wherein a light is constrained to move repeatingly under cam guidance in a definite path for each cycle of effects.

Other, further and more specific objects of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from a consideration of the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view through the casing containing my new device and showing parts of the apparatus in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a detail side view of a specific embodiment of my invention and showing a cam and link motion connected therewith for directing the 'path of the light.

Fig. 3 is a fragmental detail view, partly in section, showing the connection of the lamp to the link or arm which bears this light against the cam.

Fig. 4 is a side view, illustrating a different form of cam and a modified form of link motion for directing the light.

Fig. 5 is a fragmental, diagrammatic view showing a construction whereby the light is caused to traverse through an irregular path by means of a moving drag chain.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-section along line 56 of Fig. 5, and shows the particular manner in which the lamp socket is supported on the drag chain and the method of establishing electrical contact.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, fragmental, sectional View along line 11 of Fig. 2 and showing the means for securing in position the arms of the link mechanism of my device after these arms have been adjusted to their proper pivot point for a particular cycle of motion, and also the swivel means associated with the link mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 1, the apparatus comprises the casing I provided with a front opening 2 over which is positioned a translucent screen 3 of glass or other suitable material. An electric motor 4 deriving current from a suitable source is secured to the base 5 suitably attached to the casing I. The rotary movement from this motor is transmitted by means of the worm '6, gear 1, shaft 8, bevel gears 9 and I and hollow shaft II to the link mechanism [2 carrying the lamp l3. In the form shown in Fig. 2, this link mechanism comprises the adjustable arms or links M and I and the arm 16 carrying the spring IT. The hub 18 of the arm 14 is attached to the reduced portion I9 of the driving hollowshaft I I to which it is secured by the bolt 20. The other end of this arm l4 contains the slot 2| in which there is provided the adjusting bolt 22 which engages the nut 23, whereby the position of the pivot of the arm 15 is radially adjusted.

The bolt 22 is-provided with a head 24 and also with an enlarged portion 25 which is disposed in the bore 26 of the arm I5. The length of this enlarged portion 25 is greater than the depth of the bore 26, while the diameter of this enlarged portion 25 is greater than the width of the slot 2|, so that when the bolt 22 is tightened by the nut 23 it will be held in fixed position to the arm I 4 and will serve as a pivot for the arm l5, permitting this arm l5 to rock freely on it.

The arm I6 is held in pivotal relationship by the pin 21 which is disposed in a bore in the arm l5. If desired, the pin 21 may be made adjustable in the arm I by providing this arm with a slot instead of a bore for receiving the pin 21 which would then be held secured in any desired position of the slot by an arrangement similar to that illustrated for holding the bolt 22 in slot 2 l, while allowing the arm l5 to swing on this bolt 22. The arm [6 passes through the eye 28 of the swivel bolt 29 fastened to the arm M. for the spring ll carried by the arm It.

The cam 30 is held in fixed position on the solid shaft 3i, maintained in stationary position by any suitable means such as a key or pin 3W that also passes through the support for this shaft. As the hollow shaft H is turned, it will effect rotation of the arm l4 secured there- 1 0, and this will carry with it the link mecha- This swivel bolt 29 also serves as a stop nism supported thereby and the lamp [3. The arrangement of arms and spring will cause the lamp to bear against the edge of the cam 33 and the lamp l3 will traverse a path corresponding to the shape of the outer edge of the cam. Although in the illustration shown this cam is approximately heart-shaped, it is to be understood that my invention is not limited in this respect, but cams of other configurations may be used within the scope of my invention. As a further means of maintaining the lamp l3 in proper relationship to the cam 39, a loose collar 32, provided with circumferential flanges 33 is positioned on the stem 34 extending from the lamp l3. This stem 34 is of greater length than the collar 32, so'that when the arm [5 is tightened against this stem 34 by operation of the nut 35, the collar 33 will still be free to revolve on the stem 34, and the flanges 33 will provide against Y axial or longitudinal displacement of the lamp I3 on the cam 35.

The lamp I3 is carried by the arm l5 and electric current is conducted from any convenient supply, such as the transformer 36, by means of the lead 37, brush 38, insulated rotating collar 39 and lead 40 to the lamp I 3. The other end of the lamp circuit is grounded to a suitable part of the framework.

Attached to the rear face of the translucent screen 3 are shadow-producing objects 4| and 42. In the object 4! a portion rests directly against the translucent screen while the parts 43 and 44 extend from the translucent screen, so that when the lamp is caused to rotate, the shadow cast by the portion of the object 4| which bears against the translucent screen will be practically constant and stationary, irrespective of the position of the light. However, the shadow cast by the parts 43 and 44 will depend upon the position of the lamp l3 in the path of revolution and will increase or decrease according to the change of the angles at which the rays of the light will be intercepted by these parts of the object. The effects produced are continual changes in the lengths of the shadows, resulting in the production of moving objects. By having the light [3 constrained to move in a fixed path and adjusting the position of the shadowcasting. object relative to the translucent screen and the orbit of the moving light, novel animated shadows are produced upon the screen which can be accurately controlled and caused to reproduce with the same sequence of changes in all cycles of revolution of the light.

In the shadow-casting 'object 42 there are shown a portion resting directly against the translucent screen 3, as well as the parts 45 and 46 (which'are very'similar to the extending parts 43 and 44 of the object 4|) and also the part 4'! which is an extension of. the part 45 and is substantially parallel to but distant from the translucent screen 3. This portion 41 of the object admits of the production of shadows which give quite different effects from those produced by extensions such as 43, 44, 45 and 43. The extent of the variation in' the shadow cast by an object such as part 4l interposed in the path. of the rays from a lamp moving in a fixed orbit depends upon its distance from the translucent screen 3. The range of variation increases with the changing shadow also increases. Consequently, by adjusting the distance between the object and the screen, shadow movem n s 9? t desired speed and range may be obtained by a given movement of the light. Also, by having a combination of objects such as the part 4! disposed at different distances from the screen, some of these shadow objects may be made to move more rapidly and through a greater range than others.

. This provides a very effective means for showing objects that have some parts moving more rapidly than other moving parts.

In the modification shown in Fig. 4, the arm 48 is keyed or otherwise secured to the hollow shaft ll. This arm, 49 is provided at one end with the cuff 49 for directing one end of another arm 50 in its reciprocating, sliding movement against the arm 48. At the other end of the arm 48 there is a rece'ss'or socket 5! which receives a collar 52 through which the other end 53 of the reciprocating arm 59 passes. Around the end 53 projecting beyond the collar 52 there is provided a coil spring 54 the ends of which. bear against the stop 55 and collar 52. The arm 50 is enlarged in the center and is provided with a slot 56 whereby it slides over the hollow shaft ll. When the shaft H is revolved, the arm 48 is rotated therewith and this causes the arm 59 to rotate. The spring 54 serves to urge the arm 50 toward the spring end and the lamp I3 carried in the end of the arm 59 is kept in engagement with the cam 51. A roller 58, similar in construction to the loose collar 32 in Fig. 3, is provided, so that the lamp l3 will ride freely over the cam 51. By this construction, the combined rotating and reciprocating motions of the arm 50 will cause the lamp l3 to travel in an orbit corresponding to the configuration of the outer edge of the cam 51.

In the modification shown in Figs. 5 and 6, there are provided the inner and outer cam track guides 59 and 60, respectively, for the roller or collar 6| loosely mounted on the pin 62. The collar BI is kept from longitudinal displacement on the pin 62 at one side by means of the collar 63 and set screw 64 and at the other side by the washer 65, collar 86 and head 61 on the end of the pin 62. The collar 66 is connected to the sprocket chain 68, which engages the driving sprocket Wheel 69 and the idlers 1B. The sprocket wheel 69 derives its power through the bevel gears I! and 12, shaft 13, bevel gears 14 and 15' and shaft H As the shaft H turns, it will effect rotation of the sprocket wheel 69 which will drive the chain 68 and carry the pin 62 along with it, and the roller 6| will traverse a path between the cam track guides 59 and 69.

By having this collar 6| loosely and rotatably mounted, the mechanism operates more smoothly and local wear of the collar by the edge of the cam against which it bears is considerably reduced. In like manner, local wear of collars 32 and 58 employed with the'other forms of cams is also reduced by having these collars loosely and rotatably mounted. 7

If desired, more than one driving sprocket wheel may be employed. Under such conditions, the driving sprocket wheels could take the place of some of the idlers 10.

Threaded upon or otherwise secured to the pin 62 is a base 16 of insulating material, which supports the lamp socket TI. This insulating base 15 is provided with a pair of bores'in which are disposed the threaded caps '18, the springs 19 and a portion of each of the contact bolts 80, the head 8| of each of these bolts being positioned in the enlarged portion 82 of each bore while the other end 83 of each bolt contacts with the tracks 84 passes through the smaller portion of the bore in the insulating base 16 andis free to move therein. These bolts serve as brush contacts when the lamp inserted in the socket TI is carried around by the drag chain 68. The electric circuit is established from the track 84 through one of the bolts 80, through the Wall 99 in one of the bores in the base 16, and through the spring 9| to the lamp. The-electric circuit extends from the lamp to the socket casing 92, lead 93, wall 94 in the other bore of the insulating base 16, the bolt within this bore and the track 85.

The cam track guides 59 and 69 are fastened to a suitable stationary support 95 and the shafts for the driving sprocket wheel 69 and the idlers 10 are also supported in suitable bearings, which, if desired, may be fastened to the support 95.

By regulating the shapebf the cams in the constructions shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, the orbit of the'lamp 13 may be correspondingly regulated to give circular, elliptical, reciprocating and unlimited kinds of regular as well as irregular motions. Also, through the proper selection of earns, the movement of the lamp may be regulated for various relative speeds during any cycle of changes at the proper parts of its orbit, thereby admitting of the production of a wide variety of novel shadow effects. 9

The preferred materials for the shadow-producing objects are thin opaque sheets of metal, artificial cellulose products, and paper or other fibrous materials capable of retaining the shape into which formed. Thin sheets of copper, brass and aluminum have been fOLllld satisfactory.

I have found, however, that by making the shadow-casting objects of translucent or transparent sheets of material and mildly tinting these materials, when a light is passed through such objects to the translucent screen, such objects will intercept the colors other than that with which they are tinted and transmit tothe translucent screen the rays of light corresponding to the tint. By having such colored objects positioned as shown in the illustration herein, instead of obtaining black animated objects upon the translucent screen, colored animated objects corresponding to the colored shadow-casting objects will be obtained. By proper selection and distribution of these colors among the shadow-casting objects, very picturesque animated shadows can be produced with my process and apparatus.

Although in general thin sheets openly spaced from the translucent screen are preferred for the shadow-casting objects, it is to be understood that the shadow-casting objects may have the spaces from the screen enclosed or contain solid portions, for it will be readily understood that the determining factor of the shadow-casting object regarding size and movement of the animated shadows is the distance from the translucent screen of the surface exposed to the rays of the light. I

I have also found that it is highly desirable to have the surface of the interior of the casing and as well as the surfaces of all parts of the apparates facing the translucent-screen (except the lamp I 3 and the portion of the shadow-casting object designed for transmission of colored light)- of light absorbing material. By coating the interior of the casing and .such other parts of the device with a dull black paint, objectionable reflected light will be avoided.

For most effective showing of the animated shadows, I have found it desirable to have the bulb and .theinner filament small and the light of high intensity. The pencil of rays from this light diverge upon the translucent screen.

In the specific illustrations here shown and described, the adaptation of the cam mechanism for operating the light in connection with the productions of animated shadows has received particular attention. It is to be understood, however, that this novel cam mechanism is not limited .to any particular use, but can be appropriated for a wide variety of uses and in numerous other mechanisms and mechanical constructions. In the claims the expression connection for rotation as applied to the light is intended to cover movement of the light in cyclic paths or closed circuits of various forms and configurae tions including cyclic paths of the particular configurations shown in the drawings.

This application is a" continuation-in-part of my applications Ser. No. 638,279 and Ser. No. 641,907.

The present invention is not limited to the specific details set forth in the foregoing examples which should be construed as illustrative and not by way of limitation, and in view of the numerous modifications which may be effected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, it is desired that only such limitations be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on Jone side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaft connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft, another shaft passing into but not locked with the first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said shaft during cyclic movement of said light, and an object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said screen, said object having the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

2. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaft connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said "shaft; another shaft passing into but not lockedswith the first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said shaft during cyclic movement of said light, and an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

3. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one cyclic movement of said light, andan object posi tioned in the path of the rays of light issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said object having a portion partially opaque and with the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen. l

4. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing having the interior surfaced with light absorbing means, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaft connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft, another shaft passing into but not locked with the first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said shaft during cyclic movement of said light, and an opaque object positioned inthe path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

5. .In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaft connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft, another'shaft passing into but not locked withthe first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a stationary guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said' shaft during cyclic movement of said light, and an object positioned'in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said' translucent screen, saidobject having a portionof different transmissibilityv of light than the rest of said object and having the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

6. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen onone 7 side of the casing, an ensembleof elements with- -in saidcasing, said ensemble comprising a rotat-.

able shaft connected withpower driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft, another shaftpassing into but not locked with the first shaft, a cam supported by the sec-.

shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaftconnected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft,.another shaft passing into but not locked with the first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said shaft during cyclic movement of said light, a

; spring and a'plurality of arms for maintaining said light in contact with the guiding part of said cam, and'an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said lightupon said translucent screen,.said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed'to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

8'. In an apparatus for producing animate shadows, a'casing, a translucent screen on one side .of the casing, a light within said casing, means comprising a cam and a drag chain for moving the light in continuous cycles in a fixed path, means for driving said chain, and an opaque object positioned in thepath of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

9. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, alight within. said casin means comprising a cam on a stationary-inner shaft and driving mechanism carrying said light, in engagement with the guide face of said cam and disposed on an outer hollow shaft coaxial with said inner' shaft for moving the light in continuous cycles in a fixed path, and an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen. 2 7

10, In an apparatusfor producing animated shadows, a, casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, 'a light within said-casing, means comprising a cam on a stationary inner shaft, an arm fastened on an outer hollow shaft coaxial with said inner shaft and another springactuated arm co -,operating with the first arm for moving the light in, continuous cycles in a fixed path, a roller connected to said light and hearing against said cam, and 'an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light ,upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

11; In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, a light Within said casing,

' means for moving the light in continuous cycles in a fixed path, said means comprising co-operating cam track guides, a roller connected to said light and movable in said guides, a drag chain for moving said light and roller, and means for driving said chain, and an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of. light distant from the translucent screen.

12. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, a light within said casing, means for moving the light in continuous cycles in a fixed path, said means comprising stationary co-operating cam track guides, a roller connected to said'light and movable in' said guides, a drag chain for moving said light and roller, and means for driving said chain, and an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

13. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaft connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft, another shaft passing into but not locked with the first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a stationary guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said shaft during cyclic movement of said light, means for supplying electric current to said light from a, source which does not move with said light when said light is moving in the cyclic path, and an object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said screen, said ob ject having some of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

14. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing,.an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaft connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft, another shaft passing into but not locked with the first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a stationary guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said shaft during cyclic movement of said light, means for supplying electric current to said light from a source which does not move with said light when said light is moving in the cyclic path, and an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

15. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable shaft connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said shaft, another shaft passing into but not locked with the first shaft, a cam supported by the second shaft, said cam having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the radial distance of said light from said shaft during cyclic move ment of said light, means for supplying electric current to said light from a source which does not move with said light when said light is moving in the cyclic path, and an object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said object having a portion of different transmissibility of light than the rest of said object and having some of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

16. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent-screen on one side of the casing, a light within said casing, means comprising a cam and a drag chain for moving the light in continuous cycles in a fixed path, means for driving said chain, means for supplying electric current to said light from a source which does not move with said light when said light is moving in said fixed path, and an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

17. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, a light within said casing, means for moving the light in continuous cycles in a fixed path, said means comprising co-operating cam track guides, a roller connected to said light and movable in said guides, a drag chain for moving said light and roller, and means for driving said chain, means for supplying electric current to said light from a source which does not move with said light when said light is moving in said fixed path, and an opaque object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said opaque object having a portion of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

18. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable member connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said rotatable member, another member within said casing having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the distance of said light from the axis of said rotatable member during cyclic movement of said light, and an object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said screen, said object having the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

19. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable member connected with power driving means and a light having connection for rotation by said rotatable member, another member within said casing having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the distance of said light from the axis of said rotatable member during cyclic movement of said light, and an object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said translucent screen, said object having a portion of different transmissibility of light than the rest of said object and having some of the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

20. In an apparatus for producing animated shadows, a casing, a translucent screen on one side of the casing, an ensemble of elements within said casing, said ensemble comprising a rotatable member connected with power driving means and a light having connection for cyclic movement in a fixed path by said rotatable member, another member within said casing having a guide engaging said ensemble for regulation of change in the distance of said light from the axis of said rotatable member during said cyclic movement of said light, and an object positioned in the path of the rays issuing from said light upon said screen, said object having the surface exposed to the rays of light distant from the translucent screen.

JACK J. LEVIN. 

